Central Philippine University

ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES

MATHEMATICS and PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
Experiment No._________________
2

Erwin M. Ysug
Name_______________________________________________Course BSED- Science 3
and Year_________________

Simple Pendulum
Part 1
I. Objectives

To determine the effect of length of the string, mass, and angle on the period of
oscillation of a simple pendulum.

II. Materials

 String
 Ruler
 Iron stand and clamp
 Metal balls
 Protractor

III. Procedures

Table 1

1. Prepare the materials

2. Get the mass of the iron ball
3. Tie the ball with string
4. Tie the ball with string at the iron clamp
5. Measure the length of the string (30cm, 22cm, and 15cm at 45 degrees).
6. Record the time at 10 cycles and get the period

Table 2
1. Get the mass of the iron ball, aluminum ball and copper ball.
2. Tie the ball with string
3. Tie the ball with string at the iron stand
4. Measure the length of the string (15cm at 45 degrees).
5. Record the time at 10 cycles and get the period of each ball

Table 3
1. Tie the iron ball with string
2. Tie the ball with string at the iron stand
3. Measure the length of the string (15cm at 0, 30, and 60 degrees).
4. Record the time at 10 cycles and get the period
IV. Diagram

A.

Iron

B.

Aluminum Iron
Cupper

C.

Iron

V. Data and Computation

Mass Length of String Angle No. of Cycle Time Period

 Fe ball (62.4g) 30cm 45 ˚ 10 10.8s 1.08s

Fe ball (62.4g) 22cm 45 ˚ 10 9.11s 0.91s

Fe ball (62.4g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 7.45s 0.75s

time time time

T= T= T=
cycle cycle cycle

10.8 9.11 7.45

T= T= T=
10 10 10

T =1.08 s T =0.91 s T =0 .75 s

Mass Length of String Angle No. of Cycle Time Period

Aluminum (23.5g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 7.63s 0.76s

Iron (62.4g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 7.45s 0.75s

Cupper (72.22g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 7.25s 0.73s

Aluminum Iron Cupper

time time time

T= T= T=
cycle cycle cycle

7.63 7.45 7.2 5

T= T= T=
10 10 10

T =0.76 s T =0.75 s T =0.7 3 s

Mass Length of String Angle No. of Cycle Time Period

Fe ball (62.4g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 8.20s 0.82s

Fe ball (62.4g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 7.70s 0.77s

Fe ball (62.4g) 15cm 45 ˚ 10 7.39s 0.74s

time time time

T= T= T=
cycle cycle cycle
 8.20 7.70 7.39
T= T= T=
10 10 10

T =0. 82 s T =0.7 7 s T =0.7 4 s

Part 2
I. Discussion

A simple pendulum experiment is a fundamental investigation in physics that aims to

explore the factors influencing the period of oscillation of a pendulum. The period, defined as
the time taken for the pendulum to complete one full swing, is a crucial parameter that
characterizes the behavior of a pendulum system. This experiment typically involves studying
the impact of three key variables: the mass of the bob, the angle of release, and the length of
the pendulum string.

The mass of the bob at the end of the pendulum plays a significant role in determining
its period of oscillation. By varying the mass while keeping other factors constant, researchers
can observe how changes in mass affect the time taken for the pendulum to complete its swing.
This aspect highlights the relationship between mass and period in a simple pendulum system.
Another variable studied in this experiment is the angle of release. The angle at which the
pendulum is initially displaced from its equilibrium position influences its subsequent motion and
period of oscillation. By adjusting the release angle and observing its effect on the period,
researchers can gain insights into how angular displacement impacts pendulum behavior.
Furthermore, the length of the pendulum string is a critical factor that affects the period of
oscillation. Longer strings result in longer periods, while shorter strings lead to shorter periods.
By varying the length of the string and measuring corresponding changes in period, researchers
can establish a direct relationship between string length and oscillation time. In a controlled
experimental setup, researchers systematically manipulate one variable at a time while keeping
others constant to isolate their individual effects on the period of oscillation. This approach
allows for a detailed analysis of how changes in mass, angle, and string length influence the
behavior of a simple pendulum. By conducting multiple trials with different parameter settings
and recording precise timing data for each cycle, researchers can analyze trends and draw
conclusions about the interplay between these variables and the resulting period of oscillation.

The simple pendulum experiment serves as an essential educational tool for students to
explore fundamental concepts in physics, such as timing uncertainty, functional relationships
between variables, and experimental design principles. Through hands-on experimentation and
data analysis, students can deepen their understanding of simple harmonic motion and gain
valuable insights into how various factors impact the behavior of pendulum systems.

II. Observation
 The experiment embarked on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate
dynamics governing a simple pendulum, with a primary objective of investigating how string
length, mass variations, and angular displacements influence the period of oscillation. The data
analysis unearthed compelling trends and insights that shed light on the multifaceted
relationship between these fundamental parameters and the behavior of the pendulum.

The observed trend where a decrease in string length corresponded to a decrease in the
period of oscillation underscores the pivotal role played by string length in shaping the
pendulum's behavior. This phenomenon aligns seamlessly with theoretical expectations derived
from the formula for the period of a simple pendulum. The length of the string directly
influences the period of oscillation of a pendulum. As observed in the experiment, a decrease in
string length led to a corresponding decrease in the period of oscillation. This relationship aligns
with the fundamental principles of pendulum motion, where a longer string results in a longer
l
period. The formula for the period of a simple pendulum, T =2 π √ , highlights this inverse
g
relationship between string length (L) and the period (T). Therefore, variations in string length
have a significant impact on the oscillatory behavior of the pendulum. The inverse relationship
between string length and period highlights how variations in this parameter directly impact the
oscillatory characteristics of the pendulum, emphasizing the significance of string length as a
key determinant of its motion dynamics. Beyond string length, variations in mass and angles
were identified as influential factors affecting the period of oscillation. The experiment revealed
that changes in mass distribution and angular displacements exerted discernible effects on the
pendulum's behavior, showcasing the intricate interplay between these variables. The nuanced
relationship between mass variations, angles, and the resulting period of oscillation underscores
the complexity inherent in understanding and predicting the dynamics of a simple pendulum
system. The experiment's findings highlighted the intricate interplay between string length,
mass variations, and angles in collectively determining the behavior of a simple pendulum. By
elucidating how these factors interact and influence each other, a deeper understanding of the
underlying mechanisms governing pendulum motion was achieved. The interdependence
among string length, mass variations, and angular displacements underscores the intricate
nature of pendulum dynamics, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach when analyzing
and interpreting the behavior of such systems.

The experiment aimed to explore the influence of string length, mass variations, and
angles on the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum. The data collected revealed interesting
trends. For instance, as the string length decreased, the period of oscillation generally
decreased as well. This aligns with theoretical expectations based on the formula for the period
of a simple pendulum. Additionally, variations in mass and angles also impacted the period,
showcasing the complex interplay between these factors in determining the pendulum's
behavior.

III. Analysis
 Analyzing the data revealed clear relationships between the variables studied and the
period of oscillation. The inverse relationship between string length and period was evident,
highlighting how altering this parameter directly impacted the time taken for one complete
swing. Similarly, variations in mass and angles demonstrated their respective effects on the
pendulum's behavior, emphasizing the importance of these factors in determining oscillatory
motion.

IV. Conclusion

In conclusion, the experiment successfully investigated how string length, mass

differences, and angular displacements influence the period of a simple pendulum. The results
provided valuable insights into the dynamics of pendulum motion and highlighted the intricate
relationship between these variables and oscillatory behavior. By understanding these
relationships, we can further appreciate the fundamental principles governing simple harmonic
motion and its applications in various scientific fields.